How to Travel from JFK to the Hamptons

Highlights

  • Leaving the hustle and bustle of JFK for the serene shorelines of the Hamptons is fairly easy, with a wealth of options to get you where you’re going.
  • The train stands as one of your best options, with smooth departure and arrival points all along the Long Island Railroad.
  • If you’re looking for something twice as nice, you might splurge on an affordable rental car and not be tied to the train schedules.
  • There’s also a bus line to take you out of Queens and onto the island with just as much ease.
  • Don’t neglect some of the more exciting options, either, like chartering a helicopter, seaplane, or yacht.

Your Travel Guide on How to Get to the Hamptons from JFK

Going all the way back to the late 1800s, the Hamptons has always been a glorious escape for busy New Yorkers hoping to find a little reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even before cars overtook the streets, people sensed a need for a slower pace in the heat of the summer.

Centuries later, the Hamptons still maintains an air of elegance that people from all over the world want to experience. With its Martha’s Vineyard vibes, it’s the perfect addition to any New York City vacation guide.

Whether you want to roll up in a Rolls Royce or hop aboard a train, we have eight great options that will help you answer the question of how to get to the Hamptons from JFK with smooth and easy style. 

Train

long island railroad
Image by TripAdvisor

Outside of driving, the train is your best bet and one of our best travel tips. It’s fast and efficient, and you can plot out your stops based on where you’re staying in the Hamptons. The train line you’ll take is called the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), and they have plenty of options for a comfortable ride. 

In JFK, the terminal with train access is Terminal 4. There, you’ll find the Airtrain which takes you to Jamaica Station, the connecting point to the LIRR and the answer to every inquiry about how to get to the Hamptons by train.

Trains run every ten minutes out of Terminal 4, so don’t feel the need to rush with your luggage in tow if you see a train pulling away from the platform the moment you arrive. You’ll probably feel less stressed if you wait ten minutes for another train instead of doing a mad dash. 

From Jamaica Station, you’ll be well on your way. There are seven stations to choose from to access the Hamptons. The branch you’ll need is called the Montauk Branch. It’s aptly named because Montauk is nicknamed “The End,” as the last stop on Long Island. 

This part depends on where you’re staying. Certainly, your Airbnb host or hotel can tell you which station is closest to your accommodation. They are:

  1. Westhampton
  2. Hampton Bays
  3. Southampton
  4. Bridgehampton
  5. East Hampton
  6. Amagansett
  7. Montauk (a.k.a. The End)

Depending on your destination, you’re looking at an easy three hour train ride that can cost anywhere from $35 – $70 and easily answer the question of how to get to the Hamptons with the greatest of ease.

Rental Car

rental car
Image by Unsplash

There are other options, including the bus, but let’s discuss your next best bet. A lot of New Yorkers don’t drive in their day-to-day lives, but they’re more than happy to rent a car when heading out of the city. 

Depending on how far out you’re going, it’s only about an hour and a half drive from JFK to the Hamptons. You can see how this has its benefits above and beyond train or bus transfers. 

Rental agencies are well-marked once you’re in the airport, so finding your rental company’s counter won’t be difficult at all. Most are also accessed via the AirTrain, in Terminal 4. But, be sure to check the signage as you go. 

You have a plethora of car rental agencies to choose from within JFK. So, feel free to shop around:

  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Payless
  • Sixt
  • Thrifty

If you’re traveling during the peak summer season, you’ll want to book your rental well in advance, either on the rental agency’s website directly, or a third-party vendor with a nice discount like Booking.com, Priceline.com, or Kayak.com. 

In New York, the tolls require E-Zpass so you can sail through without waiting in line to pay cash. Most rental agencies will provide this, but be sure to ask, just in case.

In truth, a comfortable rental car is the easiest answer to how to get from JFK to the Hamptons with a minimum of hassle.

The other reason you might want to have your own car for a few days is that it makes small day trips, excursions, and evening dinners a little bit easier to navigate. Once you savor our guide to the best things to do in the Hamptons, you may agree.